SLO Gran Fondo 2016 Offers Three Breathtaking Courses
Third edition presented by VisitAvilaBeach.com set for October 29-30 showcases the spectacular Central Coast With three timed routes from 25 up to 100 miles includes King & Queen of the Mountain competition; free bike valet with drop bags, washing tents and massage in recovery zone and Italian festival of food, wine, craft beer & music; Hearst Cancer Resource Center and ALPHA Foundation local beneficiaries.
AVILA BEACH, California – (July 12, 2016) – The SLO Gran Fondo presented by VisitAvilaBeach.com, set for October 29-30, 2016, has announced its three breathtaking courses for cyclists of all levels. The third edition of the annual fall classic cycling event, produced by Race SLO, features three routes of 25 miles, 61 miles or 100 miles that all showcase the scenic Central Coast of California.
“For our 2016 event, we have fine tuned all three courses to create an incredible California coast touring experience so that all SLO GranFondo cyclists will experience the best our Endurance Town USA region has to offer. Co-hosted by Bob Roll and various other professional cyclists, we accommodate and reward both recreational and competitive cycling fans,” said Samantha Pruitt, Race SLO Founder & CEO.
GranFondo 100 Miles
For intermediate to expert riders, a breathtaking and challenging timed tour of the San Luis Obispo County coast and wine country backroads. This ride also includes a Highway 46 King of the Mountain (KOM) and Queen of the Mountain (QOM) 4.5 mile timed competition in Cambria. Last year at the GranFondo 100, as first rider to the top of Perfume Canyon, Cory Lockwood & Sara Bird were crowned KOM & QOM, clocking 19:29 and 24:15 respectively, and each earned the highly coveted polka dot jersey. There is a 7 hour course cut off, but an optional ‘early riser’ hour head start is offered that allows 8 hours on the course if needed.
MedioFondo 61 Miles
Equally magnifico, though not quite as challenging as the GranFondo, this shorter ride also takes in the coastal and wine country beauty to Morro Bay and back. It is geared for beginning endurance to advanced riders.
PiccoloFondo 25 Miles
This ride is for the beginner to intermediate cyclist. It welcomes recreational, family or weekend warriors who want to enjoy the beauty of the coast, surrounding foothills and still have plenty of time to enjoy all that the post-ride Festivale Italiano offers. The ride goes from Avila Beach into San Luis Obispo and back.
Find more course information including profile maps and routes here: slogranfondo.com/races/
Free Bike Valet, Drop Bags & First Class Recovery Zone
Post-ride, at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, there will be a first class recovery and celebration area that includes free SLO County Bike Coalition bike valet, drop bags, athlete washing tents, fresh chef prepared hot Italian lunch, massage, wine, craft beer and music at Festivale Italiano.
In addition, there will be free athlete washing tents sponsored by Life Elements as well as icing, compression recovery & massage services for a fee sponsored by Moore Sports Recovery all day on ride day. FLUID Sports and Recovery drinks, Clif Bar products and various snack offerings will also be on the course as well at well-stocked aid stations sponsored by Freeport McMoran Oil and Gas Company.
Pro Panel Reception
The SLO Gran Fondo 2016 features author, commentator and former professional Bob “Bobke” Roll returning as its host along with Pro Panel commentator Bob Stapleton of USA Cycling and Team HTC and various other cycling special guests on Saturday, October 29 from 3:00-5:00pm. Tickets are on sale now and seating is limited. Appetizers and wine included. The event again will benefit two San Luis Obispo non-profits the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and ALPHA Foundation.
Last year’s event drew a record 1,000-plus registered riders overall and is expected to sell out early at 1,200 this year.
To register or for more event information, go to: slogranfondo.com
About Race SLO
Established in 2010 to bring world class sporting events to the beautiful California Central Coast, the Race SLO family of annual events includes the inaugural SLO Ultra trail races at Wild Cherry Canyon (Fall 2016), SLO GranFondo cycling event (Fall 2016) and 6th SLO Marathon + Half and Family Fitness 5K (Spring 2017).
The Race SLO Team organizes and produces both fun and competitive running and cycling events that create a positive impact on both our participants and local communities.
Come experience the best the California Central Coast has to offer: year-round sunshine, rolling green hills, unspoiled open roads, first class finish lines and more. Come Race SLO: #EnduranceTownUSA!
Visit RaceSLO.com for more information.
Stage 2 to Les Marécottes
